Boxing Betting: James DeGale v George Groves

[Betfair]

James DeGale has got the trash talk down to a fine art, which is a shame as he is a classy operator in the ring, says Alex Steedman. But it's those fighting qualities which should see the Olympic gold medalist through this grudge match

The Sky Sports hype machine has spun into orbit pumping the rivalry between James DeGale and George Groves but there is no denying this weekend's match kindles memories of past domestic feuds. It may not have the cache or the public exposure of the Benn-Eubank spectaculars of the 90s but the enmity is just as real and having two unbeaten, rising stars meet so early in their respective careers is, these days, a rare treat indeed.

DeGale ([1.34] to win) is more Eubank than Benn and is fast becoming the boxer fans love to hate but like the pouting puncher from the past, there is substance to him. Unbeaten in ten pro fights since winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, the Harlesden talent has made rapid progress stylistically and looks a different cat entirely to the one who was roundly booed on his Birmingham debut just over two years ago. As happy to stand in the pocket within range as he is to counter on the back foot and with a defence as impressive as it is similar to that of Floyd Mayweather Jr, DeGale already looks the real deal. One fight only judgements are dangerous but the way in which he dominated a solid, experienced operator like Paul Smith to claim the British title in December was awesome.

Continued: Boxing Betting